Community Climate & Biodiversity Project Fund Announced

Cork County Council has today announced the launch of the 2019 Community Environment Action Fund. This fund was previously known as the Local Agenda 21 Environmental Partnership Fund or LA21 scheme. It aims to support projects or initiatives that help increase awareness of environmental issues locally or help communities become more sustainable. There is a special focus on climate and biodiversity this year.

Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr Christopher O’Sullivan in welcoming the announcement said,

“The last few years have seen a huge sea change in attitude towards the climate crisis. Local communities are coming up with more and more innovative ways to face the challenges. Steps taken at a local level can have global impact. If you know any groups, schools, residents associations or individuals who have an interesting project that needs funding please let them know about this scheme. This year, projects that tackle the challenges of biodiversity loss and climate change will get priority”.

The Community Environment Action Fund supports small scale, non-profit environmental projects at local level, that make a significant difference in local communities. The funding available is limited and Cork County Council will award funding to projects that best meet the qualifying criteria. Projects focusing on biodiversity should take account of the National Biodiversity Action Plan and/or the All Ireland Pollinator Plan.

Last year the Department of Communications, Climate Action and the Environment allocated €33,637 to Cork County which was increased by Cork County Council to make €67,000 available to 46 projects and schemes. Community gardens, allotments and compost schemes, rainwater harvesting schemes, educational initiatives and environmental exhibitions are just a small example of some of the successful projects.

For further information and details on how to apply please click here. The closing date for receipt of applications is 5:00pm on the 27th September 2019.

Ava Healy and Martha Szpotowicz from Carrigtwohill’s Clochar Mhuire school planting trees in Harpers Ireland, Cork as part of the Easy Treesie, Trees for Ireland programme in conjunction with Cork County Council. Easy Treesies organise children to plant trees. The aim is for every child in Ireland to plant a tree and to sponsor one in the Global South. A million trees by December 2023. Easy Treesy.